21^st Eco-gen Ambassador Program- Theme Report, February 2019

'Regional or national environment that is so iconic to introduce to others though it is not well known internationally'

Austria is one of the leading countries in Europe and in fact a world leader in the field of environmental policy, and environmental protection is an important matter on the Austrian social and economic policy agenda. Resource and environmental considerations have been increasingly and emphatically integrated into the town planning as well as decision-making processes of urban development and industry. At the grassroots level, one aspect that stands out is how development is integrated with the natural elements bringing nature to our doorstep. This part of the environmental policy, in my opinion, is an iconic aspect that I want to introduce to other members through this forum.

Mrs. Helga and Mr. Werner Grausamm, our friends in Austria whom I have introduced earlier to this forum took us to yet another wonderful place in Austria, the ERHOLUNGSWALD HERRENSEE or the Herrensee Lake Recreational Forest, in Litschau, a town in Austria. This is a beautiful recreational park planned in a forest area that flows extends into the city.

(Please refer my old report as below)

https://tunza.eco-generation.org/ambassadorReportView.jsp?viewID=44507&searchType=content&searchName=helga&pageNumber=1

A forest within a town was a new concept to me. I have visited parks in cities and forests in rural areas, but not forests in urban areas. Mrs. Grausam proudly explained that this was not unique- it was one of the many natural reserves that have been integrated successfully into the Austrian urban development. Grausams grew up with nature and are very pleased to see that the current young generation in Austria is also growing up in the lap of nature, falling in love with it every day. Learning to take care of it is thus a part of their life and needs no extra effort.

The first thing I noticed was that the transition was very swift, almost unnoticeable and smooth, from the city with restaurants and homes- to the forest with not only a lot of vegetation but also small wildlife, all around a serene pristine lake. The park was not enclosed within any boundary and simply flowed into the city. We did not need any tickets to enter the area. It was like an open forest within the city. The park was very well maintained but I did not see any ‘maintenance staff’ which indicates that the natural forest had its own natural maintenance system. This also shows how casual and normal this is for local residents. There was no litter or any unsightly objects to disturb the harmony of nature with the city. People understood that they need to take care of the environment and treat it the same way they would like the environment to treat them.

The 4km long walk around the lake was a calming experience in the beautiful scenery. Besides a variety of flora, Mr. Grausam who has practically grown up in forest area explained to me about different types of berries and other fruits that grew in the forest. I came across rabbits, deer, ducks, and shoals of fishes. I also saw many ‘wild’ plants and plenty of types of mushrooms. Mr. Grausam showed me some mushrooms that were edible and others that could be poisonous.

What intrigued me the most was the way nature was used to provide recreational facilities. A clear and distinct trail and cycling path was a welcome treat to anyone looking for a pleasant exercise along the water. All along the path there were information posts giving description of the regional flora and fauna. At regular intervals on the path there were trash bins made out of wooden logs merging totally with the forest. A wooden stage and some wooden benches provided a party cum celebration or picnic area that was absolutely spic and span. Wooden logs of varying diameters and weights had been used to create a weight training section! Every element and feature was created with the fallen trees or thatch. The only manmade elements I found in the whole area were small porta-cabins for toilets!

I had earlier written about the Blockheide Reserve in a rural setting in Gmund and some other natural reserves in Austria (Please refer my earlier report).

https://tunza.eco-generation.org/ambassadorReportView.jsp?viewID=45022&searchType=content&searchName=blockheide&pageNumber=1

However, being in a big town, the Herrensee Recreational Park is one step above and a perfect example that urban development can go hand in hand with conservation of nature. In fact such integration of natural green areas in cities will not only help the environment but also act as lungs of the urban areas providing pure clean environs to local residents.

Austria is blessed with abundance of forest wealth with a vast variety of natural flora and fauna. Having lived for a long time in UAE, an arid desert region, I have witnessed the extent of effort that the government has to take to create landscaped areas that have to be specially created, tended and maintained. However, Austrian town planners have effectively merged natural elements on a large scale, as parts of rural as well as urban developments. These natural parks and entertainment areas are instrumental not only in preserving the environment but they also promote oneness with the environment as living with nature brings people closer to it and integrates the natural environment with the society. I look forward to see such areas in all parts of the urban world.